Housetrends / August 2010

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August 2010

In This Issue

Latest Bathtub Trends By Karen Bradner
	A Touch of Drama By Danielle Krouse
	A Recipe for Change By Danielle Krouse | Photos by JE Evans
	Ocean Blue By Melanie Circle Brown | Photos by Daniel Feldkamp/Visual Edge Imaging
	Perennial Restoration By Jaron M. Terry | Photos by Daniel Feldkamp/Visual Edge Imaging
	The Key to Grand Design By Tara Burchfield | Photos by Robin Victor Goetz/RVGP, Inc.
	The Value of Family By Christina Kleiner | Photos by Daniel Feldkamp/Visual Edge Imaging
	Southern Hospitality By Julie Thompson | Photos by Jim Crotty

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Master Bath

Designed by Judith Duwel, Design Concepts

Blending old with new was Duwel’s primary goal for this space. The homeowners wanted to keep the original subway tile intact and the old tub was replaced with a new shower so blending the two together proved to be a challenge but Duwel rose to the occasion. The dark hexagon floor tiles are an excellent contrast with the subway tile and fits with the era of the home.

Resources:

Lighting: Lyon’s Lighting
Shower and floor tile: The Tile Store
Sink: Kohler
Paint: Blonde, Sherwin-Williams

Design Tip:
Never be afraid to change your mind. If you’ve decided on a design and it isn’t coming together, stop, rethink, and redesign. The end result is what counts.

Boy’s Bath

Designed by Grace A. Fike, Grace Fike Interiors

This bathroom is fun! Grace Fike Interiors reached their goal to acknowledge the history in the bathroom while also giving it a punch of modern color and convenience. The existing white tile made for a great “blank canvas” to add lots of fun colors, shapes and patterns. Bath time will be more like playtime in this bright and clean little boy’s room.

Resources:

Window treatments: Deborah Clemens
Area rug: FLOR, Inc.
Paint: Sleepy Blue and Meditative (nook), Sherwin-Williams

Design Tip: Mix it up! Don’t be afraid to bring in different wood textures and species, as long as you have contrast you’ll be fine.

Diva’s Den

Designed by Sueleal Kramer, Bellville Interiors, Inc.

Belleville Interiors created a private area for the woman of the house. The Copper Mountain paint color makes the room warm and inviting. A white mantel around the original fireplace makes it pop from the walls showcasing the home’s charming architectural detail.

Resources:

Furniture and accessories: Bellville Interiors
Fabrics: Trend
Faux painting: Faux Works, Kandi Perry
Window treatments: Miami Drapery
Lights: Premiere Lighting
Paint: Copper Mountain, Sherwin-Williams

Design Tip: Rich wall color can make a small room more intimate and interesting. The scale of furniture selected should be in proportion to the room size.

A private getaway

Bob was looking for property for two years before he purchased this lot in 2003. “When I found out this place might be for sale I jumped at the opportunity,” he says.

At the time, Bob and his late wife, Marcy, lived in the Country Club of the North. He loved it there, but wanted more privacy for his family. “The only things I wanted to see in my back yard were animals,” he says with a laugh.

His first order of business was to construct the three-acre pond. Bob carved out the specific spot, keeping in mind that his home would one day overlook the pond. Today, irrigation and pump systems keep the water crystal clear, while ducks have managed to make the pond their home. The pond is fully stocked with an assortment of fish, from largemouth bass and bluegill to trout and black crappie. A small tackle shed holds fishing gear for Bob and his five grandchildren, 8-year-old Ally, 5-year-old Evan, 4-year-old Owen, and Carly and Mason, both two years old. “They love to climb on board the electric pontoon boat and drop their lines,” he says. “You never know what you are going to catch so they always have a good time.”

A comfortable home

Bob, chairman of Synergy Building Systems and The Mills Development Companies, has been in the real estate development and commercial construction industry for many years. His experience helped him when it came to the design of the house. Bob made sure to position the house in a way that would take advantage of the scenic views of the pond, as well as the spectacular sunsets.

Bob has an affinity for Arts and Crafts architecture, so he modeled the house around that style. He enlisted the help of Bob and Steve Rhoads, brothers and owners of R.A. Rhoads, a Dayton-based custom homebuilder, to bring his vision to life. “He had the basic design laid out,” says Bob Rhoads. “He looked at my house, which has a Craftsman design, and pulled some additional ideas from it.”

The exterior of the house incorporates large banks of windows and broad eaves and dormers, all reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts era. The theme is also carried into the house’s interior design. The large family room is filled with natural light thanks to an abundance of windows. Rich wood built-ins flank the stone fireplace, while the wood ceiling includes accent lighting. “It is designed so that any time you are in the living room you have the appearance of natural sunlight,” Bob says.

The traditional Arts and Crafts kitchen is also a favorite spot. Bob says he and his grandchildren often gather in the kitchen to bake cookies or work on crafts around the center island. Bob worked with Paul Kemna at Supply One to design the user-friendly kitchen. The cherry cabinets feature an autumn stain, which blends nicely with the wood detailing in the nearby family room. The centerpiece of the kitchen is the large lantern in the center of the vaulted ceiling, allowing natural light to flood the space. “We worked the kitchen design around that architectural element,” says Kemna. “We wanted everything to line up with the lantern.”

Two farmhouse sinks and embellishments Kemna says Bob hand-sketched to highlight the range hood and four corners of the island, finish off the kitchen design. “This house is made for my family, there are always kids running through here, and I want them to feel at home,” Bob explains.

Fun for all ages

On a typical summer weekend, you’ll find Bob fishing with his grandchildren and then heading up to the pool, concession stand, playhouse and playground he had installed last year on the opposite hill facing the house.

The idea for the pool design came after the grandchildren went on vacation to Florida. “They stayed in a private home that had a mini slide from the hot tub to the pool and they loved it,” Bob says.

The small slide led to the creation of the stone mountain with waterfalls and the large slide. “I probably got a little carried away with the big slide at the top of the mountain, but it happens to be one of the best features,” he adds.

The nearby concession area features bar and table seating, a wood fired oven and a grill. Inside the concession stand is a full kitchen and washer and dryer, making entertaining friends and family a breeze.

Community advocate

In addition to his family, Bob is also dedicated to the surrounding community. This year he set up a community garden for those who love to plant and grow vegetables. “We used to grow pumpkins in the garden, and then give them away. But last year we had more than we could handle,” Bob says. “This year, we thought a community garden and small pumpkin patch would work out better.”

Thirteen families have vegetable gardens this summer. They take home what they can eat and the rest is donated to the Foodbank. “It’s a great way for families to come together and do something nice for the community.”

In addition to the community garden, Bob is cultivating a corn field, has a small Christmas tree farm and grows all his own trees for transplantation on his commercial properties. His philosophy is simple, but often overlooked. “Life is really short and you have to take the time, to find some time, to enjoy life. That is what I do here, and I love every minute of it.”

Resources:

Architect: Edward Feher, Glavan Feher; Builder: R.A. Rhoads; Kitchen designer: Supply One; Flooring: Booher Carpet; Kitchen cabinetry: Mouser Custom Cabinetry; Appliances: Bosch dishwasher; Wolf cooktop and oven; Sub-Zero refrigerator, supplied by The Appliance Gallery; Custom carpentry: Adam Popson & Sons; Indoor pool: Buckeye Pools; Outdoor pool: Kramer Pools; Site landscaping: Siebenthaler; Pool landscaping: Grunden Landscaping Company; Landscape maintenance: Joe’s Landscaping; Siebenthaler; Masonry and outdoor kitchen: Jerry Peters; Water features: Kettering Irrigation

Time to think

Living with the original kitchen for an ample amount of time allowed the homeowner to figure out exactly what she wanted to change to make the space work for her and her family. “Functionality is always at the top of my list,” she says. “We have three children, a large family and we like to entertain a lot, so my goal for the kitchen was to combine aesthetics with functionality and efficiency, and make it all really warm and comfortable.”

Remodeler Douglas Ferguson was brought on board and a plan was formed. The remodel would include enclosing a screen porch located off the kitchen, which the homeowner envisioned as a casual dining space. “I wanted to take advantage of the space that was quite literally in the woods,” she says. The transformed area now includes a vaulted barrel ceiling and floor to ceiling windows that allow the family and guests to take in the gorgeous wooded view. Enclosing the porch gave the homeowner all of the opportunities she wanted by opening up the kitchen, including a cook island and a clean island for separate functions.

The focus of the main island is cooking and includes a vegetable sink as well as features accessible to her children. Two refrigerator drawers in the island allow the kids to grab drinks and snacks and a microwave lets them make their own food when they want it. The main island also doubles as a work space for homework after school. “The cook island is sort of the family center,” says the homeowner. The second island is designated for clean up, so dirty dishes don’t get thrown in the mix during prepping and cooking. This island is adjacent to the casual dining table so everything comes off the table and has a place to go.

Open and organized

The homeowner also focused on creating several themed areas of the kitchen to help keep everything organized. A home management area includes a desk and built-in filing cabinets, as well as white boards on the walls to manage home activities, family schedules and work. There is also a separate wine bar section that includes a wine cooler and plenty of space for bottles.

Kitchen designer Gary Smith, from Scioto Kitchen Sales Corp., joined the team and understood the homeowner’s ideas right away. “I told Gary what I wanted and he found the products,” says the homeowner. “He also introduced me to many new kitchen design features including trim work and unique cabinets.”

When it came to the actual layout of the space, Ferguson, Smith and the homeowner sat together for hours figuring out the exact plans and details. When it came to finding legs for the island, Ferguson showed the homeowner a catalog of options but nothing seemed to be the right look. “I literally started drawing by hand in full scale and holding ideas up to the table, and we found something she liked,” Ferguson says. “It’s details like that, that make this a truly custom project.”

According to the homeowner, Ferguson was the voice of reason during the entire project. “He was critical in identifying key ideas, both in the areas of products available as well as how to do it in a way that kept the continuity of the house in bridging open rooms together,” she says.

Resources:

Home builder: C.V. Perry; General contractor/residential designer: Douglas G. Ferguson, Masterpiece Designers-Builders-Remodelers; Kitchen designer: Gary Smith, Scioto Kitchen Sales Corp.; Window treatments/interior design: Patti Johnson; Cabinetry: Haas Cabinetry, Scioto Kitchen Sales Corp.; Flooring: Porcelain Tile, Michael David Design Center; Backsplash: Limestone, Michael David Design Center; Sinks: Cleanup island, Kohler cast iron; Cook island, Whitehaus copper sink; Faucets: Delta; Dishwasher: KitchenAid; Cooktop: Wolf; Refrigerator: Sub-Zero; Oven: Viking; Lighting: Capital Lighting Fixture Company

Vessel verde (gallery rows 1 & 2)

Vessel sinks have skyrocketed in popularity over recent years and today, the options are endless. Lenova’s decorative hand-hammered bath vessel makes a rustic and beautiful statement. Kohler’s Empress Bouquet design is truly an elegant addition that will turn any everyday bath into a spa experience. Whether you want colored glass to brighten up your bath, or a sculpted marble vessel fit for a Greek goddess, there is a look and design for everyone—and finding it is half the fun!

Down under (gallery row 3)

Homeowners are trading their white porcelain undermount sinks for options that better show off their personal style. Guests will surely be wowed by the Kallos glass undercounter lavatory by Kohler—who says you can’t have crystal in the bathroom! The Elkay Drake Flora sink is a great option for subtle whimsy. The etched wildflowers on the inside of the bowl are perfect for free spirits.

Hanging around (gallery row 4)

Wall-hung sinks are all about sleek and sophisticated design. These sinks have a modern flair and are perfect for any size bathroom. The Samoa wall-hung sink pairs clean lines and soft curves, while the inner blue basin adds to the visual appeal. The Zero collection from Hastings Tile & Bath features a wide variety of wall-hung sinks in a multitude of shapes and sizes.

Resources:

www.lenovasinks.com
www.hastingstilebath.com
www.elkay.com
www.kohler.com
www.stoneforest.com

Resources:

bainultra.com
hastingstilebath.com
kohler.com
maaxcollection.com
mtiwhirlpools.net
nativetrails.net
sicis.it
stoneforest.com
 

Changes in latitude and attitude

“When I built the house 18 years ago I had it decorated in pinks and greens,” she explains. “But as you gain experience in life your tastes evolve. I now want to be surrounded by the soothing palette of the sea.”

She enlisted interior designer Dawn Moffitt, of Dawn Moffitt Design, to redesign the master bath. Dawn says she wanted an Art Deco flair. She selected hammered satin nickel sinks from the Bates and Bates collection and paired them with Art Deco-style faucets from THG’s Pure Collection. LED lighting was added behind the mirrors which adds a soft ruby glow.

“The cabinets were crafted by Neff, a Canadian specialty company, and feature a custom silver automotive finish,” says remodeler Peter Robinson of Peter Robinson Remodeling; appropriate since the owner’s business is automotive. The base cabinets have a scooped door while the wall cabinets have a pillow door. 18x18-inch Naxos stone tiles are accented with glass foil textured tiles on the floor. Blue Bahia granite makes a grand color statement in the backsplash, shower and tub walls.

The room’s pièce de résistance is a magnificent Swarovski crystal and nickel chandelier from the Netherlands-based Brand van Edmond’s lighting collection. “I wasn’t originally thinking of a chandelier in the master bath but when I saw this light I fell in love,” says the homeowner. “We decided it would work well with the vaulted ceiling and it adds to the contemporary motif.” Sconces from the same collection were placed for mirror lighting.

Moffitt and Robinson thoughtfully planned out the work so that no demolition began until everything for the bathroom arrived, which was no small feat as many were sourced from a Miami importer. Robinson created a “plastic tunnel” from the main entrance to the bathroom to seal off the rest of the house from dirt and dust, and work began while the homeowner spent time away. As often happens when remodeling, the momentum created by the bath makeover led to the total redesign of the master bedroom, dining room, and living room.

Son of a son of a sailor

“I’ve always gravitated toward a contemporary style and that evolved into an interest in the sleek forms and streamlined shapes of Art Deco,” says the homeowner. Her interest in Art Deco was “amplified when I began collecting Erté about 25 years ago.” Erté was a Russian aristocrat born into a long line of distinguished naval officers. He disappointed his father by moving to Paris around 1920 to become a designer.

The homeowner acquired her first piece of Erté on a trip to San Francisco and has since built an impressive collection of the bronze sculptures and original art by the artist whose name is synonymous with Art Deco. Throughout the home, Moffitt skillfully pulled together an interesting mix of elements: silk, suede, leather, nickel, brass, crystal, marble, granite, ebony, cherry and cyprus. The feel is sophisticated, contemporary and welcoming.

Moffitt incorporated another interest of the homeowner: art glass—blue, of course—in varying shades from cobalt to aquamarine and azure. Art glass can be found in whimsical egg-shaped door handles, pendant lighting and hand-blown accent pieces.

Fins

The homeowner’s love affair with the sea isn’t a merely passive passion. She also happens to be an accomplished lady angler, a sports fisherwoman who frequently participates in deep sea tournaments. Her biggest catch to date? A 730-pound blue marlin. It’s not surprising then to find art in the home reflecting her interest in marine life. In the family room there is a dolphin coffee table by wildlife artist Wyland, and a cypress wood sculpture of a white marlin and a sailfish by artist Charlie Knight in the living room. “She saw the artist carving the sculpture in Florida and brought it back,” explains Moffitt.

The homeowner’s art collection extends even beyond Erté and marine life art. Works by Isaac Maimon, Adrian Wong Shue, Peter Max and Thomas McKnight seamlessly weave into the design of this home. Truly a paradise-away-from-paradise.

Resources:

Architect: Fritz Neuenschwander and Bruce Phenegar; Contractor: Peter Robinson Remodeling LLC; Interior design: Dawn Moffitt Design, Inc.; Master bath: Flooring: Naxos tile, Keys Granite (FL); glass foil textured tile accent, Hamilton Parker; Cabinetry: Neff Custom Cabinets designed by Studio 76 Kitchens and Baths; Countertops: Canadian Blue granite, Keys Granite; Backsplash: Blue Bahia granite, Keys Granite; Sinks: Bates Hammertone in Satin Nickel; Faucets: THG Pure Collection in Satin Nickel; Shower glass enclosure, Mirrors: Classic Glass & Mirror Inc.; Chandelier: Brand Von Egmond “Icy Lady” collection, Satin Nickel and Swarovski crystal; Furniture: Pierre Frey Newport; Door knobs: Custom by Zietta Clara, Premium Hardware; Master bedroom: Flooring: Carpet Fabrica Opus; Wall sconces and floor lamp: Brand Von Egmond; Furniture: Bed, Henredon; Chaise lounge and ottoman, Pierre Frey; Bench, Bergamo; Kitchen: Cabinetry: Wood-Mode Fine Cabinetry; Countertops: Modlich Stoneworks, Blue Pearl Granite; Backsplash: Classico Tile, Designer Jan Cahill; Faucets: Grohe; Dishwasher: Viking; Cooktop: Wolf; Refrigerator: Sub-Zero; Oven: Thermador; Lighting: Tech Lighting, cobalt blue glass pendants; Artwork: Erté originals; Wong Shue; Other: Original Wyland Dolphin coffee table; Artglass from owner’s private collection; Roseville handmade pottery; Cypress wood sculpture by Charlie Knight

Back to the future

“We began dreaming of bringing Mrs. Thompson’s garden back to its original state shortly after we bought the house just over 20 years ago,” says Candy Tesner, who along with her husband, Dr. Raymond Tesner, make their home in the Cambridge Road house that had been built by Thompson in 1916 as his own residence.

The Tesners immediately began to reclaim the gardens, consulting the records of the Upper Arlington Historical Society and working with landscape architect Sharyn Hallden to design old-fashioned perennial beds connected by gently meandering Indiana limestone walkways. They even installed a trellised patio, much like the one the Thompsons enjoyed nearly a century earlier.

However, the restoration could go only so far, because shortly before the Tesners bought the historic home, the former owners had sold half the lot to another family who built a house on the property.

“Although it was a lovely home and our families became good friends, when the property came back on the market, Ray and I knew we had to pursue the idea of completely restoring the gardens by reclaiming the original area,” she explained.

Tim Blair, president of the Upper Arlington Historical Society, recalls the delight members of the Society shared upon hearing the news. “In 1985, the neighborhood that includes the Thompson house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places,” says Blair. “Even though the home that was raised was a nice residence, it was not in keeping with the history and character of the Upper Arlington Historic District, and so we were very happy with what the Tesners wanted to do for the community,” he adds.

Perpetual blooms

Today the Garden House, which was designed with a green tiled roof and pillars by Behal Sampson Dietz to echo the style of the home, provides an expansive view of the reclaimed gardens.

John Spayde, landscape designer and president of Landfare, Ltd., explains that the reestablished property now includes more than one focal point.

“Of course the trellis, which is flanked by beds that include old-fashioned perennials such as loosestrife, daisies and purple coneflowers, catches the eye first,” he notes. “In addition to that and the pavilion, other seating areas provide the family and their guests multiple vantage points to view the gardens,” he adds.

“Every plant brought in has been well thought out, not only in terms of what fits in historically, but also from the horticulture and design perspectives,” says Spayde, who designed the west patio garden and assists the Tesners in maintaining and caring for their expanded property.

“For example, the gardens are layered with perennials and selected annuals that vary by color, height and blooming period, so that there is a constant presence of color, changing as the seasons progress,” he explains. Colorful New Guinea impatiens and purple Siberian irises line the west perimeter of the property and frame the Cambridge Road entryway, while old-fashioned day lilies encircle the remainder of the area, drawing the eye into the gardens beyond.

Fourteen different varieties of Hosta share a curvilinear bed with pale pink astilbe and dark purple coral bells, which in turn play off the hot and light pink of Nova Zembla and English Roseum rhododendron, respectively. The delicate colors of lilacs and hydrangea are layered with evergreens, including Taxus yew, Colorado spruce and boxwood. In autumn, the bright foliage of weeping purple beech and Japanese maple take center stage.

“We have incorporated quite a bit of what I like to think of as a ‘very old soul’ type of plant, foxglove. With this English perennial actually dating to the early 1800s, it fits in well here,” Spayde says.

Mothers of the brides

“Shortly after we moved in we were so fortunate to be visited by members of the King Thompson family who were in Columbus for a reunion,” recalls Mrs. Tesner. “They shared so many memories with us, including that the Thompsons’ daughter was married in her mother’s garden.

“When I heard that I was thrilled, because, although our son was wed at his in-law’s home, two of our daughters also were married in the garden; our oldest shortly after we began the restoration and our middle girl two years later. When our youngest is wed here next year, Mrs. Thompson’s gardens will have come full circle,” she adds.

Resources:

Adding Southern flair

The couple hired The Site Group to assess their yard and develop a plan that would make it more appealing to entertain friends and family of all ages. The New Carlisle-based landscape architectural group drew up plans to make the pool area a multi-purpose outdoor living space for swimming, entertaining, lounging and cooking. “They had a Charleston garden look going on and we felt like there was a lot of potential with that,” says Dave Swearingen, landscape architect with The Site Group.

Charleston-style gardens traditionally include the use of brick and stone to create walls, walkways, pools, steps, terraces and patios. Such garden areas are often easily accessible outdoor living spaces. Most designers that use a Charleston flavor rely on a strict palette of 25 different perennials such as wisteria and azalea.

The first thing Swearingen and his team changed was how the steps flowed from the back of the house. They removed a steep set of deck steps and replaced them with a new set which includes a landing halfway down. Steps going in two different directions branch out from the landing, one leading to the grilling area and the other leading to the patio.

The new outdoor cooking area features a wall niche comprised of stone, allowing the homeowner’s existing grill to be rolled into the opening. The walls are capped with cultured stone that was sealed to protect it against any stains that might set in from grease or spilled drinks, such as wine. “I didn’t want an elaborate kitchen outside,” the homeowner says. “We wanted the grill to be built in somewhat, but to still have the ability to roll it out and replace it if it broke.”

Creating outdoor rooms

On the other side of the home’s steps sits a patio created by a combination of stone pavers and brick. A pergola adorns the patio area to create the appearance of a living room, as well as to scale down the 30-foot wall from the back of the home.

A second pergola sits on the other side of the home, by the pool. Wisteria vines slowly creep up the sides of the pergola, which was also created to complement the fire pit that was designed right beside it. The brick fire pit offers another entertaining option for the homeowners and is often used on cool summer nights.

A brick wall with an 18-inch seat on top was constructed along part of the pool. Not only does the wall prevent mulch in the surrounding landscaping from encroaching into the pool area, it offers a nice seating area for entertaining. It’s an element of the new design that the homeowners really enjoy and say they use often with family and friends.

Perhaps the most drastic change to the pool area is the new patio surface. The former pool area consisted of a 3-foot concrete band that led right into the backyard grass area. The Site Group worked endless hours during the winter—sometimes creating a warm tent around workers—to build a wider floor around the pool. A clay coping was placed around the pool while the area beyond was built with stone and brick. Craftsmen created two separate brick rectangles—one 3x3 feet and another 4x6 feet—to resemble rugs for added character.

Adding colorful life

Landscaping was then worked in around the new structures. The yard had three different elevations and The Site Group worked to bring it to one level. Plants were put into the landscape to soften the hardscape that was created around the pool. Boxwood, hydrangea, irises and hostas help pull all the elements together.

The homeowner also enjoys adding her own potted plants to color the area. Blue, aqua and white flowers helped complement the blue-ish gray stone laid around the pool. Some of the flowers chosen even invite hummingbirds on a daily basis.

The homeowners say they have gotten more use out of their pool area since the project was finished in early 2009 than over the past 18 years of living in their home. While the area served its purpose for their two daughters, it has now become a better entertaining option for them as a couple. It’s a place they hope will only continue to prove its usefulness as the years go on.

Resources:

Landscape architect: Dave Swearingen, RLA, The Site Group; Plant supplier: Studebaker Nurseries; Plant installation: The Site Group; Hardscapes: Snyder Brick and Block; Pool: Knickerbocker; Patio: Hanson stone; Belden Belcrest panels; Outdoor kitchen: Belden Belcrest with Dutch Quality countertop tiles

Orchestrating the revival of the 2010 Designers’ Show House and Gardens Oakwood home was a masterful achievement by the Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association. This year dubbed “10 Days of Design,” the DPVA’s largest fundraiser succeeded in raising over $60,000 which will help support the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and promote musical education for all ages.

The site of this year’s Show House, 201 East Schantz Avenue, is full of architectural details that reminisce of times past giving the 6,000-square-foot house a charming and comfortable “I’m home” feeling. The 18th-century colonial revival home, known as The Mission Manor, was brought back to life beautifully by 30 of Dayton’s talented interior designers and landscapers. Updating the rooms while keeping with the history of its time period was a keynote goal among the designers. The finished piece came together triumphantly as it felt rich with antiquities of bygone days and pleasant to live in for days to come.

Master Bath

Designed by Judith Duwel, Design Concepts

Blending old with new was Duwel’s primary goal for this space. The homeowners wanted to keep the original subway tile intact and the old tub was replaced with a new shower so blending the two together proved to be a challenge but Duwel rose to the occasion. The dark hexagon floor tiles are an excellent contrast with the subway tile and fits with the era of the home.

Resources:

Lighting: Lyon’s Lighting
Shower and floor tile: The Tile Store
Sink: Kohler
Paint: Blonde, Sherwin-Williams

Design Tip:
Never be afraid to change your mind. If you’ve decided on a design and it isn’t coming together, stop, rethink, and redesign. The end result is what counts.

Boy’s Bath

Designed by Grace A. Fike, Grace Fike Interiors

This bathroom is fun! Grace Fike Interiors reached their goal to acknowledge the history in the bathroom while also giving it a punch of modern color and convenience. The existing white tile made for a great “blank canvas” to add lots of fun colors, shapes and patterns. Bath time will be more like playtime in this bright and clean little boy’s room.

Resources:

Window treatments: Deborah Clemens
Area rug: FLOR, Inc.
Paint: Sleepy Blue and Meditative (nook), Sherwin-Williams

Design Tip: Mix it up! Don’t be afraid to bring in different wood textures and species, as long as you have contrast you’ll be fine.

Diva’s Den

Designed by Sueleal Kramer, Bellville Interiors, Inc.

Belleville Interiors created a private area for the woman of the house. The Copper Mountain paint color makes the room warm and inviting. A white mantel around the original fireplace makes it pop from the walls showcasing the home’s charming architectural detail.

Resources:

Furniture and accessories: Bellville Interiors
Fabrics: Trend
Faux painting: Faux Works, Kandi Perry
Window treatments: Miami Drapery
Lights: Premiere Lighting
Paint: Copper Mountain, Sherwin-Williams

Design Tip: Rich wall color can make a small room more intimate and interesting. The scale of furniture selected should be in proportion to the room size.

A private getaway

Bob was looking for property for two years before he purchased this lot in 2003. “When I found out this place might be for sale I jumped at the opportunity,” he says.

At the time, Bob and his late wife, Marcy, lived in the Country Club of the North. He loved it there, but wanted more privacy for his family. “The only things I wanted to see in my back yard were animals,” he says with a laugh.

His first order of business was to construct the three-acre pond. Bob carved out the specific spot, keeping in mind that his home would one day overlook the pond. Today, irrigation and pump systems keep the water crystal clear, while ducks have managed to make the pond their home. The pond is fully stocked with an assortment of fish, from largemouth bass and bluegill to trout and black crappie. A small tackle shed holds fishing gear for Bob and his five grandchildren, 8-year-old Ally, 5-year-old Evan, 4-year-old Owen, and Carly and Mason, both two years old. “They love to climb on board the electric pontoon boat and drop their lines,” he says. “You never know what you are going to catch so they always have a good time.”

A comfortable home

Bob, chairman of Synergy Building Systems and The Mills Development Companies, has been in the real estate development and commercial construction industry for many years. His experience helped him when it came to the design of the house. Bob made sure to position the house in a way that would take advantage of the scenic views of the pond, as well as the spectacular sunsets.

Bob has an affinity for Arts and Crafts architecture, so he modeled the house around that style. He enlisted the help of Bob and Steve Rhoads, brothers and owners of R.A. Rhoads, a Dayton-based custom homebuilder, to bring his vision to life. “He had the basic design laid out,” says Bob Rhoads. “He looked at my house, which has a Craftsman design, and pulled some additional ideas from it.”

The exterior of the house incorporates large banks of windows and broad eaves and dormers, all reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts era. The theme is also carried into the house’s interior design. The large family room is filled with natural light thanks to an abundance of windows. Rich wood built-ins flank the stone fireplace, while the wood ceiling includes accent lighting. “It is designed so that any time you are in the living room you have the appearance of natural sunlight,” Bob says.

The traditional Arts and Crafts kitchen is also a favorite spot. Bob says he and his grandchildren often gather in the kitchen to bake cookies or work on crafts around the center island. Bob worked with Paul Kemna at Supply One to design the user-friendly kitchen. The cherry cabinets feature an autumn stain, which blends nicely with the wood detailing in the nearby family room. The centerpiece of the kitchen is the large lantern in the center of the vaulted ceiling, allowing natural light to flood the space. “We worked the kitchen design around that architectural element,” says Kemna. “We wanted everything to line up with the lantern.”

Two farmhouse sinks and embellishments Kemna says Bob hand-sketched to highlight the range hood and four corners of the island, finish off the kitchen design. “This house is made for my family, there are always kids running through here, and I want them to feel at home,” Bob explains.

Fun for all ages

On a typical summer weekend, you’ll find Bob fishing with his grandchildren and then heading up to the pool, concession stand, playhouse and playground he had installed last year on the opposite hill facing the house.

The idea for the pool design came after the grandchildren went on vacation to Florida. “They stayed in a private home that had a mini slide from the hot tub to the pool and they loved it,” Bob says.

The small slide led to the creation of the stone mountain with waterfalls and the large slide. “I probably got a little carried away with the big slide at the top of the mountain, but it happens to be one of the best features,” he adds.

The nearby concession area features bar and table seating, a wood fired oven and a grill. Inside the concession stand is a full kitchen and washer and dryer, making entertaining friends and family a breeze.

Community advocate

In addition to his family, Bob is also dedicated to the surrounding community. This year he set up a community garden for those who love to plant and grow vegetables. “We used to grow pumpkins in the garden, and then give them away. But last year we had more than we could handle,” Bob says. “This year, we thought a community garden and small pumpkin patch would work out better.”

Thirteen families have vegetable gardens this summer. They take home what they can eat and the rest is donated to the Foodbank. “It’s a great way for families to come together and do something nice for the community.”

In addition to the community garden, Bob is cultivating a corn field, has a small Christmas tree farm and grows all his own trees for transplantation on his commercial properties. His philosophy is simple, but often overlooked. “Life is really short and you have to take the time, to find some time, to enjoy life. That is what I do here, and I love every minute of it.”

Resources:

Architect: Edward Feher, Glavan Feher; Builder: R.A. Rhoads; Kitchen designer: Supply One; Flooring: Booher Carpet; Kitchen cabinetry: Mouser Custom Cabinetry; Appliances: Bosch dishwasher; Wolf cooktop and oven; Sub-Zero refrigerator, supplied by The Appliance Gallery; Custom carpentry: Adam Popson & Sons; Indoor pool: Buckeye Pools; Outdoor pool: Kramer Pools; Site landscaping: Siebenthaler; Pool landscaping: Grunden Landscaping Company; Landscape maintenance: Joe’s Landscaping; Siebenthaler; Masonry and outdoor kitchen: Jerry Peters; Water features: Kettering Irrigation

Time to think

Living with the original kitchen for an ample amount of time allowed the homeowner to figure out exactly what she wanted to change to make the space work for her and her family. “Functionality is always at the top of my list,” she says. “We have three children, a large family and we like to entertain a lot, so my goal for the kitchen was to combine aesthetics with functionality and efficiency, and make it all really warm and comfortable.”

Remodeler Douglas Ferguson was brought on board and a plan was formed. The remodel would include enclosing a screen porch located off the kitchen, which the homeowner envisioned as a casual dining space. “I wanted to take advantage of the space that was quite literally in the woods,” she says. The transformed area now includes a vaulted barrel ceiling and floor to ceiling windows that allow the family and guests to take in the gorgeous wooded view. Enclosing the porch gave the homeowner all of the opportunities she wanted by opening up the kitchen, including a cook island and a clean island for separate functions.

The focus of the main island is cooking and includes a vegetable sink as well as features accessible to her children. Two refrigerator drawers in the island allow the kids to grab drinks and snacks and a microwave lets them make their own food when they want it. The main island also doubles as a work space for homework after school. “The cook island is sort of the family center,” says the homeowner. The second island is designated for clean up, so dirty dishes don’t get thrown in the mix during prepping and cooking. This island is adjacent to the casual dining table so everything comes off the table and has a place to go.

Open and organized

The homeowner also focused on creating several themed areas of the kitchen to help keep everything organized. A home management area includes a desk and built-in filing cabinets, as well as white boards on the walls to manage home activities, family schedules and work. There is also a separate wine bar section that includes a wine cooler and plenty of space for bottles.

Kitchen designer Gary Smith, from Scioto Kitchen Sales Corp., joined the team and understood the homeowner’s ideas right away. “I told Gary what I wanted and he found the products,” says the homeowner. “He also introduced me to many new kitchen design features including trim work and unique cabinets.”

When it came to the actual layout of the space, Ferguson, Smith and the homeowner sat together for hours figuring out the exact plans and details. When it came to finding legs for the island, Ferguson showed the homeowner a catalog of options but nothing seemed to be the right look. “I literally started drawing by hand in full scale and holding ideas up to the table, and we found something she liked,” Ferguson says. “It’s details like that, that make this a truly custom project.”

According to the homeowner, Ferguson was the voice of reason during the entire project. “He was critical in identifying key ideas, both in the areas of products available as well as how to do it in a way that kept the continuity of the house in bridging open rooms together,” she says.

Resources:

Home builder: C.V. Perry; General contractor/residential designer: Douglas G. Ferguson, Masterpiece Designers-Builders-Remodelers; Kitchen designer: Gary Smith, Scioto Kitchen Sales Corp.; Window treatments/interior design: Patti Johnson; Cabinetry: Haas Cabinetry, Scioto Kitchen Sales Corp.; Flooring: Porcelain Tile, Michael David Design Center; Backsplash: Limestone, Michael David Design Center; Sinks: Cleanup island, Kohler cast iron; Cook island, Whitehaus copper sink; Faucets: Delta; Dishwasher: KitchenAid; Cooktop: Wolf; Refrigerator: Sub-Zero; Oven: Viking; Lighting: Capital Lighting Fixture Company

Vessel verde (gallery rows 1 & 2)

Vessel sinks have skyrocketed in popularity over recent years and today, the options are endless. Lenova’s decorative hand-hammered bath vessel makes a rustic and beautiful statement. Kohler’s Empress Bouquet design is truly an elegant addition that will turn any everyday bath into a spa experience. Whether you want colored glass to brighten up your bath, or a sculpted marble vessel fit for a Greek goddess, there is a look and design for everyone—and finding it is half the fun!

Down under (gallery row 3)

Homeowners are trading their white porcelain undermount sinks for options that better show off their personal style. Guests will surely be wowed by the Kallos glass undercounter lavatory by Kohler—who says you can’t have crystal in the bathroom! The Elkay Drake Flora sink is a great option for subtle whimsy. The etched wildflowers on the inside of the bowl are perfect for free spirits.

Hanging around (gallery row 4)

Wall-hung sinks are all about sleek and sophisticated design. These sinks have a modern flair and are perfect for any size bathroom. The Samoa wall-hung sink pairs clean lines and soft curves, while the inner blue basin adds to the visual appeal. The Zero collection from Hastings Tile & Bath features a wide variety of wall-hung sinks in a multitude of shapes and sizes.

Resources:

www.lenovasinks.com
www.hastingstilebath.com
www.elkay.com
www.kohler.com
www.stoneforest.com

Resources:

bainultra.com
hastingstilebath.com
kohler.com
maaxcollection.com
mtiwhirlpools.net
nativetrails.net
sicis.it
stoneforest.com
 

Changes in latitude and attitude

“When I built the house 18 years ago I had it decorated in pinks and greens,” she explains. “But as you gain experience in life your tastes evolve. I now want to be surrounded by the soothing palette of the sea.”

She enlisted interior designer Dawn Moffitt, of Dawn Moffitt Design, to redesign the master bath. Dawn says she wanted an Art Deco flair. She selected hammered satin nickel sinks from the Bates and Bates collection and paired them with Art Deco-style faucets from THG’s Pure Collection. LED lighting was added behind the mirrors which adds a soft ruby glow.

“The cabinets were crafted by Neff, a Canadian specialty company, and feature a custom silver automotive finish,” says remodeler Peter Robinson of Peter Robinson Remodeling; appropriate since the owner’s business is automotive. The base cabinets have a scooped door while the wall cabinets have a pillow door. 18x18-inch Naxos stone tiles are accented with glass foil textured tiles on the floor. Blue Bahia granite makes a grand color statement in the backsplash, shower and tub walls.

The room’s pièce de résistance is a magnificent Swarovski crystal and nickel chandelier from the Netherlands-based Brand van Edmond’s lighting collection. “I wasn’t originally thinking of a chandelier in the master bath but when I saw this light I fell in love,” says the homeowner. “We decided it would work well with the vaulted ceiling and it adds to the contemporary motif.” Sconces from the same collection were placed for mirror lighting.

Moffitt and Robinson thoughtfully planned out the work so that no demolition began until everything for the bathroom arrived, which was no small feat as many were sourced from a Miami importer. Robinson created a “plastic tunnel” from the main entrance to the bathroom to seal off the rest of the house from dirt and dust, and work began while the homeowner spent time away. As often happens when remodeling, the momentum created by the bath makeover led to the total redesign of the master bedroom, dining room, and living room.

Son of a son of a sailor

“I’ve always gravitated toward a contemporary style and that evolved into an interest in the sleek forms and streamlined shapes of Art Deco,” says the homeowner. Her interest in Art Deco was “amplified when I began collecting Erté about 25 years ago.” Erté was a Russian aristocrat born into a long line of distinguished naval officers. He disappointed his father by moving to Paris around 1920 to become a designer.

The homeowner acquired her first piece of Erté on a trip to San Francisco and has since built an impressive collection of the bronze sculptures and original art by the artist whose name is synonymous with Art Deco. Throughout the home, Moffitt skillfully pulled together an interesting mix of elements: silk, suede, leather, nickel, brass, crystal, marble, granite, ebony, cherry and cyprus. The feel is sophisticated, contemporary and welcoming.

Moffitt incorporated another interest of the homeowner: art glass—blue, of course—in varying shades from cobalt to aquamarine and azure. Art glass can be found in whimsical egg-shaped door handles, pendant lighting and hand-blown accent pieces.

Fins

The homeowner’s love affair with the sea isn’t a merely passive passion. She also happens to be an accomplished lady angler, a sports fisherwoman who frequently participates in deep sea tournaments. Her biggest catch to date? A 730-pound blue marlin. It’s not surprising then to find art in the home reflecting her interest in marine life. In the family room there is a dolphin coffee table by wildlife artist Wyland, and a cypress wood sculpture of a white marlin and a sailfish by artist Charlie Knight in the living room. “She saw the artist carving the sculpture in Florida and brought it back,” explains Moffitt.

The homeowner’s art collection extends even beyond Erté and marine life art. Works by Isaac Maimon, Adrian Wong Shue, Peter Max and Thomas McKnight seamlessly weave into the design of this home. Truly a paradise-away-from-paradise.

Resources:

Architect: Fritz Neuenschwander and Bruce Phenegar; Contractor: Peter Robinson Remodeling LLC; Interior design: Dawn Moffitt Design, Inc.; Master bath: Flooring: Naxos tile, Keys Granite (FL); glass foil textured tile accent, Hamilton Parker; Cabinetry: Neff Custom Cabinets designed by Studio 76 Kitchens and Baths; Countertops: Canadian Blue granite, Keys Granite; Backsplash: Blue Bahia granite, Keys Granite; Sinks: Bates Hammertone in Satin Nickel; Faucets: THG Pure Collection in Satin Nickel; Shower glass enclosure, Mirrors: Classic Glass & Mirror Inc.; Chandelier: Brand Von Egmond “Icy Lady” collection, Satin Nickel and Swarovski crystal; Furniture: Pierre Frey Newport; Door knobs: Custom by Zietta Clara, Premium Hardware; Master bedroom: Flooring: Carpet Fabrica Opus; Wall sconces and floor lamp: Brand Von Egmond; Furniture: Bed, Henredon; Chaise lounge and ottoman, Pierre Frey; Bench, Bergamo; Kitchen: Cabinetry: Wood-Mode Fine Cabinetry; Countertops: Modlich Stoneworks, Blue Pearl Granite; Backsplash: Classico Tile, Designer Jan Cahill; Faucets: Grohe; Dishwasher: Viking; Cooktop: Wolf; Refrigerator: Sub-Zero; Oven: Thermador; Lighting: Tech Lighting, cobalt blue glass pendants; Artwork: Erté originals; Wong Shue; Other: Original Wyland Dolphin coffee table; Artglass from owner’s private collection; Roseville handmade pottery; Cypress wood sculpture by Charlie Knight

Back to the future

“We began dreaming of bringing Mrs. Thompson’s garden back to its original state shortly after we bought the house just over 20 years ago,” says Candy Tesner, who along with her husband, Dr. Raymond Tesner, make their home in the Cambridge Road house that had been built by Thompson in 1916 as his own residence.

The Tesners immediately began to reclaim the gardens, consulting the records of the Upper Arlington Historical Society and working with landscape architect Sharyn Hallden to design old-fashioned perennial beds connected by gently meandering Indiana limestone walkways. They even installed a trellised patio, much like the one the Thompsons enjoyed nearly a century earlier.

However, the restoration could go only so far, because shortly before the Tesners bought the historic home, the former owners had sold half the lot to another family who built a house on the property.

“Although it was a lovely home and our families became good friends, when the property came back on the market, Ray and I knew we had to pursue the idea of completely restoring the gardens by reclaiming the original area,” she explained.

Tim Blair, president of the Upper Arlington Historical Society, recalls the delight members of the Society shared upon hearing the news. “In 1985, the neighborhood that includes the Thompson house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places,” says Blair. “Even though the home that was raised was a nice residence, it was not in keeping with the history and character of the Upper Arlington Historic District, and so we were very happy with what the Tesners wanted to do for the community,” he adds.

Perpetual blooms

Today the Garden House, which was designed with a green tiled roof and pillars by Behal Sampson Dietz to echo the style of the home, provides an expansive view of the reclaimed gardens.

John Spayde, landscape designer and president of Landfare, Ltd., explains that the reestablished property now includes more than one focal point.

“Of course the trellis, which is flanked by beds that include old-fashioned perennials such as loosestrife, daisies and purple coneflowers, catches the eye first,” he notes. “In addition to that and the pavilion, other seating areas provide the family and their guests multiple vantage points to view the gardens,” he adds.

“Every plant brought in has been well thought out, not only in terms of what fits in historically, but also from the horticulture and design perspectives,” says Spayde, who designed the west patio garden and assists the Tesners in maintaining and caring for their expanded property.

“For example, the gardens are layered with perennials and selected annuals that vary by color, height and blooming period, so that there is a constant presence of color, changing as the seasons progress,” he explains. Colorful New Guinea impatiens and purple Siberian irises line the west perimeter of the property and frame the Cambridge Road entryway, while old-fashioned day lilies encircle the remainder of the area, drawing the eye into the gardens beyond.

Fourteen different varieties of Hosta share a curvilinear bed with pale pink astilbe and dark purple coral bells, which in turn play off the hot and light pink of Nova Zembla and English Roseum rhododendron, respectively. The delicate colors of lilacs and hydrangea are layered with evergreens, including Taxus yew, Colorado spruce and boxwood. In autumn, the bright foliage of weeping purple beech and Japanese maple take center stage.

“We have incorporated quite a bit of what I like to think of as a ‘very old soul’ type of plant, foxglove. With this English perennial actually dating to the early 1800s, it fits in well here,” Spayde says.

Mothers of the brides

“Shortly after we moved in we were so fortunate to be visited by members of the King Thompson family who were in Columbus for a reunion,” recalls Mrs. Tesner. “They shared so many memories with us, including that the Thompsons’ daughter was married in her mother’s garden.

“When I heard that I was thrilled, because, although our son was wed at his in-law’s home, two of our daughters also were married in the garden; our oldest shortly after we began the restoration and our middle girl two years later. When our youngest is wed here next year, Mrs. Thompson’s gardens will have come full circle,” she adds.

Resources:

Adding Southern flair

The couple hired The Site Group to assess their yard and develop a plan that would make it more appealing to entertain friends and family of all ages. The New Carlisle-based landscape architectural group drew up plans to make the pool area a multi-purpose outdoor living space for swimming, entertaining, lounging and cooking. “They had a Charleston garden look going on and we felt like there was a lot of potential with that,” says Dave Swearingen, landscape architect with The Site Group.

Charleston-style gardens traditionally include the use of brick and stone to create walls, walkways, pools, steps, terraces and patios. Such garden areas are often easily accessible outdoor living spaces. Most designers that use a Charleston flavor rely on a strict palette of 25 different perennials such as wisteria and azalea.

The first thing Swearingen and his team changed was how the steps flowed from the back of the house. They removed a steep set of deck steps and replaced them with a new set which includes a landing halfway down. Steps going in two different directions branch out from the landing, one leading to the grilling area and the other leading to the patio.

The new outdoor cooking area features a wall niche comprised of stone, allowing the homeowner’s existing grill to be rolled into the opening. The walls are capped with cultured stone that was sealed to protect it against any stains that might set in from grease or spilled drinks, such as wine. “I didn’t want an elaborate kitchen outside,” the homeowner says. “We wanted the grill to be built in somewhat, but to still have the ability to roll it out and replace it if it broke.”

Creating outdoor rooms

On the other side of the home’s steps sits a patio created by a combination of stone pavers and brick. A pergola adorns the patio area to create the appearance of a living room, as well as to scale down the 30-foot wall from the back of the home.

A second pergola sits on the other side of the home, by the pool. Wisteria vines slowly creep up the sides of the pergola, which was also created to complement the fire pit that was designed right beside it. The brick fire pit offers another entertaining option for the homeowners and is often used on cool summer nights.

A brick wall with an 18-inch seat on top was constructed along part of the pool. Not only does the wall prevent mulch in the surrounding landscaping from encroaching into the pool area, it offers a nice seating area for entertaining. It’s an element of the new design that the homeowners really enjoy and say they use often with family and friends.

Perhaps the most drastic change to the pool area is the new patio surface. The former pool area consisted of a 3-foot concrete band that led right into the backyard grass area. The Site Group worked endless hours during the winter—sometimes creating a warm tent around workers—to build a wider floor around the pool. A clay coping was placed around the pool while the area beyond was built with stone and brick. Craftsmen created two separate brick rectangles—one 3x3 feet and another 4x6 feet—to resemble rugs for added character.

Adding colorful life

Landscaping was then worked in around the new structures. The yard had three different elevations and The Site Group worked to bring it to one level. Plants were put into the landscape to soften the hardscape that was created around the pool. Boxwood, hydrangea, irises and hostas help pull all the elements together.

The homeowner also enjoys adding her own potted plants to color the area. Blue, aqua and white flowers helped complement the blue-ish gray stone laid around the pool. Some of the flowers chosen even invite hummingbirds on a daily basis.

The homeowners say they have gotten more use out of their pool area since the project was finished in early 2009 than over the past 18 years of living in their home. While the area served its purpose for their two daughters, it has now become a better entertaining option for them as a couple. It’s a place they hope will only continue to prove its usefulness as the years go on.

Resources:

Landscape architect: Dave Swearingen, RLA, The Site Group; Plant supplier: Studebaker Nurseries; Plant installation: The Site Group; Hardscapes: Snyder Brick and Block; Pool: Knickerbocker; Patio: Hanson stone; Belden Belcrest panels; Outdoor kitchen: Belden Belcrest with Dutch Quality countertop tiles

Orchestrating the revival of the 2010 Designers’ Show House and Gardens Oakwood home was a masterful achievement by the Dayton Philharmonic Volunteer Association. This year dubbed “10 Days of Design,” the DPVA’s largest fundraiser succeeded in raising over $60,000 which will help support the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and promote musical education for all ages.

The site of this year’s Show House, 201 East Schantz Avenue, is full of architectural details that reminisce of times past giving the 6,000-square-foot house a charming and comfortable “I’m home” feeling. The 18th-century colonial revival home, known as The Mission Manor, was brought back to life beautifully by 30 of Dayton’s talented interior designers and landscapers. Updating the rooms while keeping with the history of its time period was a keynote goal among the designers. The finished piece came together triumphantly as it felt rich with antiquities of bygone days and pleasant to live in for days to come.

Master Bath

Designed by Judith Duwel, Design Concepts

Blending old with new was Duwel’s primary goal for this space. The homeowners wanted to keep the original subway tile intact and the old tub was replaced with a new shower so blending the two together proved to be a challenge but Duwel rose to the occasion. The dark hexagon floor tiles are an excellent contrast with the subway tile and fits with the era of the home.

Resources:

Lighting: Lyon’s Lighting
Shower and floor tile: The Tile Store
Sink: Kohler
Paint: Blonde, Sherwin-Williams

Design Tip:
Never be afraid to change your mind. If you’ve decided on a design and it isn’t coming together, stop, rethink, and redesign. The end result is what counts.

Boy’s Bath

Designed by Grace A. Fike, Grace Fike Interiors

This bathroom is fun! Grace Fike Interiors reached their goal to acknowledge the history in the bathroom while also giving it a punch of modern color and convenience. The existing white tile made for a great “blank canvas” to add lots of fun colors, shapes and patterns. Bath time will be more like playtime in this bright and clean little boy’s room.

Resources:

Window treatments: Deborah Clemens
Area rug: FLOR, Inc.
Paint: Sleepy Blue and Meditative (nook), Sherwin-Williams

Design Tip: Mix it up! Don’t be afraid to bring in different wood textures and species, as long as you have contrast you’ll be fine.

Diva’s Den

Designed by Sueleal Kramer, Bellville Interiors, Inc.

Belleville Interiors created a private area for the woman of the house. The Copper Mountain paint color makes the room warm and inviting. A white mantel around the original fireplace makes it pop from the walls showcasing the home’s charming architectural detail.

Resources:

Furniture and accessories: Bellville Interiors
Fabrics: Trend
Faux painting: Faux Works, Kandi Perry
Window treatments: Miami Drapery
Lights: Premiere Lighting
Paint: Copper Mountain, Sherwin-Williams

Design Tip: Rich wall color can make a small room more intimate and interesting. The scale of furniture selected should be in proportion to the room size.

A private getaway

Bob was looking for property for two years before he purchased this lot in 2003. “When I found out this place might be for sale I jumped at the opportunity,” he says.

At the time, Bob and his late wife, Marcy, lived in the Country Club of the North. He loved it there, but wanted more privacy for his family. “The only things I wanted to see in my back yard were animals,” he says with a laugh.

His first order of business was to construct the three-acre pond. Bob carved out the specific spot, keeping in mind that his home would one day overlook the pond. Today, irrigation and pump systems keep the water crystal clear, while ducks have managed to make the pond their home. The pond is fully stocked with an assortment of fish, from largemouth bass and bluegill to trout and black crappie. A small tackle shed holds fishing gear for Bob and his five grandchildren, 8-year-old Ally, 5-year-old Evan, 4-year-old Owen, and Carly and Mason, both two years old. “They love to climb on board the electric pontoon boat and drop their lines,” he says. “You never know what you are going to catch so they always have a good time.”

A comfortable home

Bob, chairman of Synergy Building Systems and The Mills Development Companies, has been in the real estate development and commercial construction industry for many years. His experience helped him when it came to the design of the house. Bob made sure to position the house in a way that would take advantage of the scenic views of the pond, as well as the spectacular sunsets.

Bob has an affinity for Arts and Crafts architecture, so he modeled the house around that style. He enlisted the help of Bob and Steve Rhoads, brothers and owners of R.A. Rhoads, a Dayton-based custom homebuilder, to bring his vision to life. “He had the basic design laid out,” says Bob Rhoads. “He looked at my house, which has a Craftsman design, and pulled some additional ideas from it.”

The exterior of the house incorporates large banks of windows and broad eaves and dormers, all reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts era. The theme is also carried into the house’s interior design. The large family room is filled with natural light thanks to an abundance of windows. Rich wood built-ins flank the stone fireplace, while the wood ceiling includes accent lighting. “It is designed so that any time you are in the living room you have the appearance of natural sunlight,” Bob says.

The traditional Arts and Crafts kitchen is also a favorite spot. Bob says he and his grandchildren often gather in the kitchen to bake cookies or work on crafts around the center island. Bob worked with Paul Kemna at Supply One to design the user-friendly kitchen. The cherry cabinets feature an autumn stain, which blends nicely with the wood detailing in the nearby family room. The centerpiece of the kitchen is the large lantern in the center of the vaulted ceiling, allowing natural light to flood the space. “We worked the kitchen design around that architectural element,” says Kemna. “We wanted everything to line up with the lantern.”

Two farmhouse sinks and embellishments Kemna says Bob hand-sketched to highlight the range hood and four corners of the island, finish off the kitchen design. “This house is made for my family, there are always kids running through here, and I want them to feel at home,” Bob explains.

Fun for all ages

On a typical summer weekend, you’ll find Bob fishing with his grandchildren and then heading up to the pool, concession stand, playhouse and playground he had installed last year on the opposite hill facing the house.

The idea for the pool design came after the grandchildren went on vacation to Florida. “They stayed in a private home that had a mini slide from the hot tub to the pool and they loved it,” Bob says.

The small slide led to the creation of the stone mountain with waterfalls and the large slide. “I probably got a little carried away with the big slide at the top of the mountain, but it happens to be one of the best features,” he adds.

The nearby concession area features bar and table seating, a wood fired oven and a grill. Inside the concession stand is a full kitchen and washer and dryer, making entertaining friends and family a breeze.

Community advocate

In addition to his family, Bob is also dedicated to the surrounding community. This year he set up a community garden for those who love to plant and grow vegetables. “We used to grow pumpkins in the garden, and then give them away. But last year we had more than we could handle,” Bob says. “This year, we thought a community garden and small pumpkin patch would work out better.”

Thirteen families have vegetable gardens this summer. They take home what they can eat and the rest is donated to the Foodbank. “It’s a great way for families to come together and do something nice for the community.”

In addition to the community garden, Bob is cultivating a corn field, has a small Christmas tree farm and grows all his own trees for transplantation on his commercial properties. His philosophy is simple, but often overlooked. “Life is really short and you have to take the time, to find some time, to enjoy life. That is what I do here, and I love every minute of it.”

Resources:

Architect: Edward Feher, Glavan Feher; Builder: R.A. Rhoads; Kitchen designer: Supply One; Flooring: Booher Carpet; Kitchen cabinetry: Mouser Custom Cabinetry; Appliances: Bosch dishwasher; Wolf cooktop and oven; Sub-Zero refrigerator, supplied by The Appliance Gallery; Custom carpentry: Adam Popson & Sons; Indoor pool: Buckeye Pools; Outdoor pool: Kramer Pools; Site landscaping: Siebenthaler; Pool landscaping: Grunden Landscaping Company; Landscape maintenance: Joe’s Landscaping; Siebenthaler; Masonry and outdoor kitchen: Jerry Peters; Water features: Kettering Irrigation

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